Request for Proposals (RFP)Support Specialists

Support Specialist (Request for Proposals)

Program: All ART INC programs (ASALA, Pathways, and SOLVE)

Reports To: HR Manager, with day-to-day program direction from the assigned Program Manager

Classification: Independent contractor

Compensation: Hourly or program-based rate, set by experience, scope of services, program assignment, and funding availability

Schedule: Varies by program assignment

Location: The Romain Arts & Culture Center, 919 NE Jefferson St, Peoria, IL, and other ART INC program sites

About ART INC- ART INC is a community-based arts and culture nonprofit in Peoria, IL. Our mission is to INSPIRE and EMPOWER the community through arts, education and culture. ART INC serves young people and families through three main programs: ASALA (Arts, Science and Leadership Academy) for youth ages 6 to 14; Pathways to College or Careers, providing job training and job development for ages 15 to 24; and SOLVE, providing gun violence intervention and victim assistance. ART INC staff, board, volunteers, and teaching artists work to give every student the chance to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts, regardless of ability to pay.

About the Position- ART INC is seeking qualified independent contractors to serve as Support Specialists. Support Specialists assist with youth programming, participant support, administrative coordination, transportation, and community engagement across ART INC programs, helping maintain safe, welcoming, and organized environments.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is part of ART INC's competitive procurement and contractor selection process. Services may be provided to youth ages 624, high-risk youth, victims of violence, justice-impacted individuals, families in crisis, and community members impacted by trauma.

Requirements Applicants must meet the following to be considered:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in youth services, community programs, after-school programming, or administrative support
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work with diverse populations and cultures
• Ability to support positive behavior and use de-escalation strategies
• Basic technology skills, including Microsoft 365, Outlook, and OneDrive or Google Workspace
• At least 24 years of age, in line with ART INC vehicle insurance requirements
• Valid driver's license, insurable driving record, and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review
• Ability to pass a background check before engagement

Duties and Responsibilities The duties below illustrate the types of work performed. Omitting a specific duty does not exclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the role.

• Prepare, set up, and reset classrooms and program spaces, and ensure supplies and equipment are ready
• Greet participants, families, visitors, and partners professionally
• Support program staff and teaching artists with arts, wellness, STEAM, leadership, and enrichment activities
• Maintain a safe and orderly environment and follow youth safety and incident reporting procedures
• Assist with participant recruitment, enrollment, and distribution of outreach materials
• Maintain attendance and sign-in/sign-out records and complete accurate, timely data entry
• Assist with case notes, participant documentation, supply requests, and administrative follow-up
• Provide updates to Program Managers and leadership and support program evaluation and reporting
• Support community events with setup, breakdown, registration, concessions, and guest support
• Attend recruitment and outreach events and promote ART INC programming
• Safely operate ART INC vehicles to transport participants, staff, and supplies between locations
• Complete vehicle inspections and logs, keep vehicles clean, and monitor fuel
• Immediately report any accident, incident, or vehicle concern
• Follow all ART INC policies, procedures, and transportation and youth safety policies
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisor Relationship- The Support Specialist reports to the HR Manager, who handles contracting, onboarding, clearance, and contractor performance. The assigned Program Manager provides day-to-day direction on program activities.

Work Environment- This position is multi-site. Work takes place at The Romain Arts & Culture Center, a two-level building, at other program and event sites, and in ART INC vehicles.

Mental and Physical Requirements- Physical effort is light, with intermittent lifting or carrying of up to 25 pounds and walking up and down stairs. Specialists may experience occasional pressure tied to program or event deadlines.

Contract Terms- Contracts may be short-term project contracts, monthly service agreements, fiscal year agreements, or grant-funded service periods, structured as hourly or program-based agreements. All contracts depend on funding availability, program needs, compliance approval, and performance monitoring. Rates must align with ART INC procurement and grant compliance standards.

How to Apply- Submit your proposal through this posting. Proposals must include both required attachments to be considered; incomplete submissions may be disqualified. Please upload:

• Your resume
• Your completed RFP (proposal)

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled or funding allocations are met.

Equal Opportunity Statement- ART INC is committed to providing a fair and welcoming environment for everyone who enters our building, works with us, or participates in our programs, within the parameters of the law.